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      Ford Recalls 115,000 Bronco Sport, Escape SUVs over Brake Issue

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      Some Ford Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs, which share a brake system, are being recalled now because NHTSA has determined that they may not stop in a short enough distance in some circumstances.A total of 114,996 vehicles, mostly 2021 models with a few 2022s, will be recalled starting in early January.Ford said it has not heard of any related accidents or injuries to date. Ford will recall almost 115,000 2021 and 2022 model Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs because of a potential reduction in the vehicles’ power brake performance related to the rear brake lining. Ford said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries caused by this issue. NHTSA has identified the cause as the friction coefficient of the rear brake-caliper linings being below specification. A NHTSA chronology explains that the agency conducted a stopping-distance test compliance audit on the 2021 Bronco Sport. It found that it took almost 192 meters (630 feet) to stop when the brake power assist unit was inoperative, compared with the federally regulated distance of 168 meters (551 feet). Ford told NHTSA that its internal certification tests from December 2018 resulted in a stopping distance of just under 150 meters (492 feet). When Ford re-tested a vehicle under the same circumstances, itfound that it took almost 178 meters (584 feet) to stop.

      2021 Ford Escape.
      Ford

      “During certain situations, the driver may have to apply more brake pedal force, and the distance required to stop the vehicle may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash,” NHTSA said in a letter to Ford.The 2021–2022 Escape uses the same brake system as the Bronco Sport, so the NHTSA compliance test also relates to that vehicle. The reason not all 2021 and 2022 Bronco Sports and Escapes are being recalled is that this problem only affects vehicles built without a vacuum sensor in the brake vacuum booster. On vehicles that have a vacuum sensor, the brake system is able to detect a booster malfunction and the ABS module can compensate for the out-of-spec friction. Any Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs equipped with an electronic brake booster “are not affected by this issue because they have higher system pressures if the booster malfunctions,” NHTSA said.The potentially faulty brakes were installed on 2021 and 2022 Bronco Sport SUVs between January 27 and November 11, 2021, while the affected Escapes were built between December 14, 2020, and October 26, 2021. Ford said it is still confirming the total number of affected vehicles, which currently stands at 114,996 in the U.S. That number includes 65,429 of the 2021 Bronco Sport and 12 2022 models, as well as 49,553 2021 Escapes and two from 2022. The brake linings were supplied by Continental’s unit in Mexico, Continental Automotive Mexicana, according to Automotive News.Ford hasn’t shipped any Bronco Sports or Escapes from either its Hermosillo or Louisville assembly plants since November 9. The automaker will start notifying customers January 10 to bring in their vehicles for a fix. In the meantime, Bronco Sport and Escape owners can check the NHTSA recalls website to see if their vehicle is involved.

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      Vivo Electric Scooter, Motorcycles – Applies For Trademark In EV Category

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      Image for reference.With its huge untapped potential, EV segment in India has been attracting startups and tech companies in droves
      Chinese smartphone manufacturers have been following an aggressive strategy ever since the telecom revolution started to take shape in India. With their affordable pricing and advanced features, the likes of Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, etc. have been able to establish a strong presence in the country.
      As the next big thing in India will be EVs, these companies are planning to target this space as well. Most of these smartphone manufacturers including Vivo have filed their respective trademarks in automotive category. The status of Vivo’s trademark application currently shows up as ‘opposed’.
      Vivo Electric Scooter, Motorcycles, EV details
      It is not yet certain what type of EVs Vivo is planning to launch in India. A specific timeline for launch of these EVs is also not available at this point of time. As per the trademark application filed under Class 12, the category lists a wide range of goods and services.
      It includes electric vehicles, cars, motorcycles, driverless cars (autonomous cars), bicycles, mopeds, self-balancing vehicles, electric unicycle, unicycle, self-balancing unicycles, remote control vehicles, water vehicles, air vehicles, aerial drone and photography drone.
      Vivo Applies for trademark in EV category in India
      Considering that electric two-wheeler segment is among the ones with highest potential, Vivo could start its EV journey with an electric scooter and/or an electric motorcycle. It’s too early to comment on the design of Vivo electric two-wheeler, but it will be safe to assume that it will pack in a range of advanced features.
      Things likes keyless entry, voice commands and a comprehensive range of connectivity features could be on offer. Vivo is among the premium smartphone brands in the country and it will like to maintain a similar status in EV space as well.
      Easy access to battery and parts
      Chinese handset manufacturers like Vivo will have several advantages that will allow them to crack the Indian EV segment. As of now, China is a hub for battery technology and manufacturing. Most of the current electric two-wheeler brands in India rely on imported battery packs and related components. Smartphone makers like Vivo will have easy access to supplier network in China and they can strike better deals at local level.
      Electronics is another area where smartphone manufacturers are destined to take the lead. EVs utilize a fair amount of electronics, a need that companies like Vivo can easily fulfil. Another advantage is that brands like Vivo, Xiaomi, Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme are already popular in India. Consumers will feel more confident when buying EVs launched by these companies.
      Chinese brands are known for playing the numbers game. This strategy is likely to be deployed in EV space as well. Homegrown manufacturers like Ola Electric, Bajaj, TVS, Ather, Simple Energy, Revolt, etc. will be following these developments closely. A tough battle is expected ahead. More

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      Upcoming Jawa Cruiser Motorcycle Side View Caught In New Spy Shots

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      New Jawa Cruiser Spied by SourabhJawa is working on launching two new motorcycles – One of them is a traditional cruiser, which has now been spied again
      Classic Legends is aggressively working on expanding its lineup across various brands. The company will be introducing multiple new models under new brands like Yezdi and BSA in the near future. Meanwhile, the Mahindra-owned company is also developing new bikes under the pre-existing Jawa brand.
      Rekindled in late 2018, Classic Legends currently retails models such as Jawa Standard, Forty-Two and Perak under the Jawa brand. The bikemaker will soon launch a cruiser motorcycle under the Czech-origin brand which has been spotted testing on roads recently on a few occasions.
      Upcoming Jawa Cruiser Motorcycle – Design
      The latest spy shots show the test bike under complete camouflage which mimics retro-inspired styling. This is testified by highlights such as a round headlamp, a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, spoke-styled alloy wheels, a compact windscreen and fork gaiters.
      It also flaunts a wide rear fender and a comfortable saddle. In fact, the pillion seat seems roomier than Standard and Forty-Two. The latest spy shots are credit to automotive enthusiast Sourabh. The test motorcycle was spied near Pune in Maharashtra.
      New Jawa Cruiser Spied
      The upcoming Jawa cruiser looks similar in size to Perak and might share the same underpinnings as the single-seater bobber. Most of the key components and running gear like engine casing, leg guard, frame, dual-pipe exhaust and spoke-styled alloy wheels have been blacked out which should lend a sporty appeal with a dual-tone theme.
      Based on variants and colour schemes, these components could be offered in chrome. From the images, we get to see typical cruiser-style ergonomics with a wide and tall handlebar and slightly forward set footpegs that should offer a comfortable riding posture suited for long-distance cruising. The thick padding of foam under the seat should further enhance riding pleasure.
      Exp Engine, Specs
      The Jawa cruiser could borrow its powertrain from Perak. The 334cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC engine pumps out 30 bhp and 32.74 Nm of peak torque. This motor is linked with a 6-speed gearbox. Suspension duties will be handled by conventional telescopic forks at front and twin shock absorbers at rear. Anchorage will be taken care of by single disc brakes at both ends aided by a dual-channel ABS.
      New Jawa Cruiser Spied
      Coming to features, the new Jawa cruiser would get an inverted analogue speedometer with a digital odometer as seen in current Jawa models. Other features such as an LED headlamp with LED DRLs should also be on offer. It might not be offered with high-tech features.
      Upon its launch, the new Jawa cruiser will directly compete against the likes of Royal Enfield Meteor 350. It is possible that this motorcycle could be positioned over Perak as a flagship model in the Jawa lineup. Exp price could be in the Rs 2 lakh range, ex-sh. More

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      Top 10 Motorcycles 200cc To 500cc Oct 2021 – Classic, Meteor, Pulsar, KTM, Himalayan

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      Image – Jitin KambojHonda CB350 has shown the highest bump in sales which recorded a YoY growth of 454.42 percent in the 200cc-500cc category
      Motorcycle sales last month have shown a slight improvement last month probably because the ongoing crisis of semiconductor chip shortage has eased a bit. This has led to manufacturing and in turn dispatch of more motorcycles. However, there is still a lot of room for improvement, especially in the 200cc-500cc category.
      A total of 58,747 bikes from the 200cc-500cc category were sold across India in October this year. This led to an MoM growth of 48.35 percent in comparison to 39,599 units sold during September 2021. However, a YoY decline of 25.83 percent was recorded since, during October last year, a total of 79,203 units were sold across the country.
      Motorcycles 200cc To 500cc Oct 2021 – Classic, Meteor, CB350 record impressive volume
      The chart was topped by Royal Enfield Classic 350 with a registered sales volume of 19,728 units last month. In comparison, RE dispatched 13,751 units of the new-gen Classic in September this year which translated to an MoM growth of 43.47 percent. During the same period last year, the bikemaker sold 41,953 units of Classic which has translated to a YoY drop of 53 percent.
      Classic was followed by its cruiser sibling Meteor 350 with 7,851 units dispatched in October this year. In September this year, 6,184 units of the cruiser were sold which led to an MoM growth of 27 percent. Honda H’Ness CB350 jumped to the third spot on this list with a total of 7,152 units sold last month. This led to a massive YoY growth of 454.42 percent. MoM growth for CB350 stood at 138.80 percent.
      Motorcycle Sales 200cc-500cc Oct 2021 vs Oct 2020 (YoY)
      Pulsar 220F, Bullet, Himalayan
      In its last phase of life, Bajaj sold 5,936 units of Pulsar 220F before eventually getting replaced by the new Pulsar 250 twins. The sports commuter recorded an MoM growth of 44.50 percent and YoY degrowth of 18 percent. Pulsar 220F was followed by Royal Enfield’s oldest workhorse- Bullet 350 with a total sales volume of 5,822 units recorded in October this year.
      During the same period last year, 11,203 units of the classic roadster were sold which has resulted in a YoY decline of 48 percent. In September 2021, this figure stood at 2,107 units for Bullet which led to YoY growth of 176.32 percent. The brand’s sole adventure tourer Himalayan raked in a volume of 3728 units which translated to a YoY 108.15 percent and an MoM growth of 2.61 percent.
      Electra, KTM 390, Dominar 400
      The seventh spot was occupied by Bullet’s twin sibling- Electra 350 with a total volume of 2,246 units in October 2021. This is a 65 percent YoY drop and a 234 percent MoM growth. KTM dispatched 1,171 units of its flagship 390 range of motorcycles which led to an impressive 214 percent MoM shoot up and YoY growth of 12.81 percent.
      Motorcycle Sales 200cc-500cc Oct 2021 vs Sep 2021 (MoM)
      The 390 range was closely followed up by the 250 range of the Austrian brand with a total volume of 1,162 units registered last month. This translated to YoY growth of 63.20 percent and a marginal 0.94 percent MoM decline. Bajaj sold 1,091 units of its flagship Dominar 400 to wrap up the top ten list. The tourer witnessed a YoY decline of 40 percent and an MoM decline of 10.72 percent.
      Remaining motorcycles in the list include Avenger, FZ25, Apache 310, Ninja 300, Gixxer 250, CB500, Husqvarna 250, Dominar 250, CB300R and Mahindra Mojo. None of these motorcycles managed to cross 1,000 units in sales for the month. More

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      2021 Honda CB350 Anniversary Edition Launch – CB300R BS6 Debuts

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      Honda CB350 Anniversary EditionBS6 CB300R will continue to rival the likes of KTM 250/390 Duke, Bajaj Dominar, BMW G310R and TVS Apache RR310
      Honda Motorcycle India has launched special edition of their CB350 at IBW 2021. This launch celebrates the first anniversary of CB350 in India. 2021 Honda CB350 Anniversary Edition has been launched at a price of Rs 2.03 lakh, ex-sh, Gurgaon.
      2021 Honda CB350 Anniversary Edition
      Honda CB350 was launched in October last year, followed by the scrambler version CB350 RS in February 2021. Honda 350cc motorcycles recently achieved the 30k yearly sales milestone.
      Growing popularity of CB350 has prompted Honda to target this segment more aggressively. Over the next three years, the company has plans to increase sales of its 250-500cc bikes to 3 lakh units per annum. To make it possible, Honda will be introducing multiple new motorcycles in middleweight segment.
      Honda CB350 Anniversary edition gets golden themed emblems incorporated on the tank & side panel. The Anniversary Edition logo sits atop the tank in a pin-striped fashion further substantiating the rider’s pride of ownership. Accentuating the overall theme is its Brown Coloured Dual Seat for added comfort to both rider and pillion while its Chrome side-stand enhances premium appeal of the motorcycle.
      2021 Honda CB350 Anniversary Edition
      Body coloured Front & Rear Mudguards help the product theme to maintain one flow in terms of design uniformity. The reimagined Crown Handle synchronized elegantly with different color options maintains the motorcycle’s rugged image. It is be available in two colour options – Pearl Igneous Black and Matt Marshal Green Metallic.
      2021 Honda CB300R BS6 Showcased
      In line with its strategy to aggressively target the middleweight segment, Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) will soon be launching the BS6 version of CB300R. The bike was available in India earlier, but it was discontinued when BS6 norms came into effect from April 1, 2020. In its BS4 format, Honda CB300R was imported as CKD. Only a limited number of units were available for sale. The last known price of the bike was Rs 2.41 lakh.
      Updated BS6 CB300R could be assembled locally to keep costs down. It is to note that Euro 5 version of the bike is not available in international markets. India could be the first country to get the greener CB300R. The bike was quite popular when it was available in India. In just a few months post its launch in 2019, all available units of CB300R were sold out.
      2022 Honda CB300R BS6
      BS6 CB300R details
      Honda has kept the details of BS6 CB300R tightly under wraps. The bike has neo-retro styling with features such as round headlamp, flat handlebar, sculpted fuel tank, sporty split seat, exposed trellis frame, short tail section and chunky upswept exhaust.
      In its BS4 format, Honda CB300R was powered by a 286cc, single cylinder, 4-valve, liquid cooled motor. It generated 30.45 hp of max power and 27.4 Nm of peak torque. It was mated to a 6-speed gearbox. New CB300R could have slightly lesser power and torque, as has been the case with most other bikes that have received BS6 update.
      CB300R has USD forks at front and monoshock rear suspension. Braking duties are performed by disc brakes at both ends. Dual-channel ABS is offered as standard. It is possible that BS6 CB300R could get a new range of connectivity features. Honda is simultaneously focusing on expanding its Big Wing network across the country.  This will also be a key factor in helping achieve desired sales targets. More

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      Tesla Model 3, Model Y Got New Battery Chemistry, and Here's What It Means

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      The news emerged in late August: Tesla was offering a chance for electric-car buyers who’d ordered a Model 3 Standard Range+ to get their car sooner. That same month, it emerged that orders placed for less expensive Model 3s wouldn’t be filled until 2022. And the same went as well for Standard Range Tesla Model Y versions. (Last month, Tesla renamed the Standard Range models, which are now simply called Rear Wheel Drive.)The new option would allow Tesla to deliver its least expensive Model 3 cars more quickly, at a penalty of just 10 miles on EPA range ratings: 253 miles vs 263 miles—for the same sticker price. In turn, it could presumably shift more of its traditional battery packs to the hot-selling Model Y compact crossover. Until this summer, all Model 3s and Model Ys sold in North America had been powered by batteries with thousands of small cylindrical cells, using a nickel-cobalt-aluminum (or NCA) chemistry, from Tesla’s Nevada Gigafactory. The new pack not only uses a different chemistry known as lithium-iron-phosphate (or LiFP), but the cells themselves were prismatic—meaning the contents of the battery casing were entirely different.The substitute pack is hardly an unknown quantity. Prismatic-cell battery packs are by far the most predominant in China. As analysts and Tesla owners noted, it’s used in all Standard Range Tesla models built at the company’s Shanghai factory. The China plant also exports lower-range Tesla models to Europe.Tesla had forecast this shift during its Battery Day event in September, at which CEO Elon Musk suggested the company might use LiFP for lower-cost models. As it works to reduce the amount of expensive cobalt in its cells—as GM has done, with 70 percent less cobalt in the upcoming Ultium cells it jointly developed with LG Chem—it will attempt to put more nickel into future chemistry. LiFP cells are less energy-dense than nickel- and cobalt-based cells, though the difference today is lower than it was a few years ago. And offsetting the 4 percent drop in EPA-rated range is the ability to charge LiFP batteries to 100 percent of usable capacity, whereas the recommendation for NCA packs is to recharge to no more than 90 percent under most circumstances. So for many buyers, the trade is pretty much a wash. But aside from delivering more cars sooner, why would Tesla offer a lower-range battery? The company built its reputation out of the box on selling EVs with much longer ranges than other makers. Aside from a Canada-only lower-cost Model 3 with 94 miles of range, only one other Tesla ever sold has had a range lower than 160 miles, and that range was delivered only by a single version of the Model S that proved so unpopular it was dropped within months. The answer lies in the complicated interplay among battery-metal supplies, cell-production constraints, and China’s ambition to dominate sales of electric cars globally.

      Cobalt is at the heart of virtually all the battery cells in EVs sold in North America. We require long range, and cobalt cells are simply more energy-dense. Cobalt is also in great demand, increasingly expensive, and comes from some very problematic places. On top of that, China has made a determined effort over 20 years to lock up the largest share of global cobalt—and massive share all of the processing capability that turns cobalt metal into materials that can be used in batteries. A recent two-part series in The New York Times lays out the global politics, the international intrigue, and the surging global demand in useful detail.Iron ore, on the other hand, is far less valuable, found on every continent, and has been a global commodity almost since the start of the Industrial Revolution. Some EV analysts suggest that as all battery chemistries improve in energy density, we’ll see a bifurcation in available batteries: LiFP will be used in lower-range models and lower-cost entries, while more luxurious and longer-range EVs stick with more expensive cobalt chemistries.If that comes to pass, Tesla may prove to be a pioneer in that respect. It is now the first company selling EVs in volume to offer LiFP-powered electric cars in the U.S. But it’ll be far from the last.

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      Joy Electric Scooters, Motorcycles Nov 2021 Sales Grow By 1190%

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      Joy Electric Motorcycle – Beast
      WardWizard sold 3,290 electric scooters and motorcycles in November 2021 – A 12 fold increase over 255 units sold in November 2020
      Vadodara based WardWizard markets its electric two wheelers under ‘Joy e-bike’ brand. Last month, they recorded the highest ever monthly sales till date. The company sold a total of 3,290 units in Nov 2021, approximately a 12 fold jump over 255 units sold in November 2020, a percentage hike of 1,190 percent.
      Growth was seen both in urban and semi urban sectors. Taking Year-to-Date sales into account, they have sold 13,516 units during the April-November 2021 period, a 590 percent increase over 1,957 units sold in the same 7 month period of 2020.
      Joy Electric Scooters, Motorcycles
      Every electric two wheeler from the company comes in with JOY E-Connect. This is a cloud-based mobile app that goes a long way in enhancing its overall riding experience. Compatible with the entire Joy e-bike product range, the App can be downloaded on iOS and Android.
      Joy e-bike lineup currently includes five high-speed vehicles and five in the low-speed category. Their electric two wheelers are all priced aggressively and are sold via authorized sales outlets across 23 major cities in the country. WardWizard plans to add 250 dealerships by the end of 2022.
      Joy Electric Scooter and Motorcycle
      Nov 2021 also saw WardWizard inaugurate a new global headquarters in Vadodara. Joy e-bike also launched a new brand campaign in collaboration with ‘The Kapil Sharma Show’. Through this show, the company will get a chance to showcase their range of electric two-wheelers to a wider audience.
      WardWizard Vadodara Plant
      WardWizard has an installed capacity of 4 lakh units at its plant in Vadodara, Gujarat. Investments to the tune of Rs 200 crores have been made till date. Plans are afoot to mark foray into more segments in the future. They could enter the electric rickshaw or the electric car segment.
      Joy e-bike targets to sell 45,000-50,000 electric scooters and motorcycles in the current fiscal. The company expects a higher percentage of sales from non-metro regions across India.
      In terms of added investment, WardWizard will be looking at investing an added Rs 175 crores over the next 6 months. They also have plans to set up new assembly facilities in West Bengal and Kerala to cater to the demands of buyers in the North East and Southern states respectively. Both these new facilities are expected to be operational by the first quarter of next financial year. More

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      BSA Gold Star 650 Specs Officially Revealed – 652cc, 45 bhp, 55 Nm, 198 Kgs

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      New BSA Gold Star 650The BSA-branded 650cc motorcycle will be launched in United Kingdom initially followed by possible launch in India at later stage
      We already have been acquainted with the fact that Classic Legends is working on reviving multiple motorcycle brands including Yezdi and BSA. The company already relaunched the Jawa brand in 2018 which has been met with reasonable success. It had earlier been reported that Classic Legends is working on bringing back the BSA brand with a new 650cc motorcycle.
      Officially named Gold Star 650, this bike made its first appearance at an exclusive event in Birmingham UK.  For reference, Classic Legends bought the rights of the incumbent BSA Motorcycles back in 2016 for approximately Rs 28 crores. The bike, as evident in previous spy shots, sports a retro-style design of a modern classic motorcycle.
      BSA Gold Star 650 – Retro Styling
      At first glance, certain elements, especially the rear section barring the taillight, look uncannily familiar with its 300cc Jawa counterparts. Some of the highlights of the 650cc roadster include beefy side panels, single-piece handlebar, single-piece bench seat, round headlamp, circular turn indicators and fork gaiters.
      Gold Star flaunts an extensive use of chrome across its body, from headlamp to fuel tank extending to its exhaust pipe and engine casing. The teardrop-shaped fuel tank as well as broad front and rear fenders accentuate the bike’s retro appeal. A lot of these elements appear to be inspired by the classic Bonneville Twins.
      BSA Gold Star 650 Specs – Part 1
      The instrument cluster consists of twin-pod analogue dials which frankly looks better on this class of motorcycles. Riding ergonomics also seem relaxed with a wide handlebar and mid-set footpegs. The single exhaust pipe suggests that the bike might be powered by a single-cylinder heart underneath. The engine, in fact, is the biggest highlight of the bike.
      BSA Gold Star 650 Specs
      New BSA Gold Star 650 is powered by a single cylinder 652cc engine which delivers 55 Nm torque and 45 Bhp power. It is mated to a 5 speed gearbox. On a closer look at the engine, the casing design is somewhat reminiscent of the Rotax unit powering the BMW F 650 Funduro adventure bike. The 650cc single-cylinder DOHC unit features cooling fins but on a closer inspection, one could notice a black hose emerging from the powertrain which leads to a fairly large radiator.
      A fuel injector cover is also visible which gives it an old-school appeal. While it aims to look like an air-cooled unit, the piping for liquid cooling near the frame downtube indicates that it will be a liquid-cooled motor. This will help the bike extract more oomph out of the engine despite being only a single-cylinder unit.
      BSA Gold Star 650 Specs – Part 2
      Dynamics
      As for hardware, the bike gets raked-out telescopic forks at front and twin preload-adjustable rear shock absorbers to carry out the suspension duties. Braking setup comprises disc brakes at both ends which will be assisted by a dual-channel ABS. The traditional wire-spokes wheels are shod with old-school Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp tubed tyres similar to the ones found in Royal Enfield 650cc Twins.
      While the motorcycle is being developed in India, since Classic Legends has its R&D set up here, the BSA-branded model will initially cater to consumers in United Kingdom. Assembly of the upcoming bike is expected to take place in BSA’s facility in Midlands. That said, Gold Star could well be launched in India at a later stage. More